A pioneer since its inception in 1998, Alta Vista makes terroir-expressive wines from high-altitude vineyards in Argentina’s Mendoza and Salta provinces. In 2001, Alta Vista was the first winery in Argentina to produce single vineyard wines. Over the years, Alta Vista’s wines have earned countless accolades, but of equal importance are the winery’s green practices and their low environmental impact. Alta Vista has emerged as a leader in its commitment to sustainable wine growing and winemaking practices.
Pamela Alfonso, Vineyard Manager
Constantly innovating, Alta Vista has brought “bio bed” technology from Europe and adapted it so that areas within the vineyards are set up that can destroy chemical and biological agents in waste water. Vineyard Manager Pamela Alfonso explains: “They originated in Sweden in response to the need for simple and effective methods to minimize environmental contamination from chemical use, especially when filling or cleaning spraying equipment. The “bio beds” contain fungus that can retain and destroy chemical and biological agents.” After Alta Vista analyzes the final results, a manual detailing how to build “bio beds” will be published next year.
In January, 2013, Alta Vista completed its ISO 22.000 certification for preventative food safety. This specifies the identification of physical, allergenic, chemical and biological hazards in production that can cause products to be unsafe, and implements systems to reduce these risks to safe levels. In 2007, Alta Vista was one of the first Argentina wineries to obtain the ISO 9001/2000 certification, which specifies requirements for quality management.
Alta Vista’s ambitious mid- to long-term goal is to become carbon neutral. The winery is currently undergoing an audit by a European organization that will be completed this month.
Additional examples collectively illustrate Alta Vista’s commitment to sustainable production:
• Winery water is treated and re-used for irrigation.
• Vegetal waste is incorporated into the soil to enhance its organic composition and its humidity retention.
• Grape pomace is distilled and de-acidified for use as compost and natural fertilizer.
• Chemical containers go through a 3-step cleaning process and are re-used by winery suppliers.
• Winery and offices recycle as much solid waste as possible. Non-agricultural waste is separated and either sold or made available for recycling.
• All Alta Vista vineyards are situated at high altitude in a dry climate. Pesticides are rarely used and only when quality of crop is in danger.
• In the winery, as little manipulation as possible is used to respect the natural quality of the vineyards and wine.
